Implement interface

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an interface for an implement that is to be operably coupled to a power machine. In one embodiment, a disclosed implement carrier is mountable to a power machine for securing an implement for use with the power machine. The implement carrier includes an implement carrier frame, a locking feature for securing an implement, and a coupler block that is pivotally mounted to the implement carrier frame for engaging couplers on the implement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/846,841, filed Jul. 16, 2013,the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

This application is directed towards power machines. More particularly,this application is directed toward operably coupling implements topower machines. Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure,include any type of machine that generates power for the purpose ofaccomplishing a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of powermachine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally self-propelledvehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some workvehicles can have other work devices) that can be manipulated to performa work function. Some examples of work vehicle power machines includeloaders, excavators, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to namea few.

Some power machines can be operably coupled to implements that arecapable of cooperating with the power machine to perform various tasks.For example, some loaders have lift arms that are capable of having awide variety of implements operably coupled to them, ranging from asimple bucket or blade to relatively complex implements such as planersand graders that have work devices capable of performing various tasks.Some of these work devices on implements are controllable by operatorinput devices on the power machines to which they are operably coupled.Many power machines of this type are capable of providing power and/orcontrol signals to an operably coupled implement. Thus, when aparticular power machine is operably coupled to an implement, aconnection is made between one or more power and/or control signalsources on the power machine and the implement. One common type of powersource on such types of power machines is a hydraulic power source.Pressurized hydraulic fluid is selectively provided from the powermachine to the implement once the connection is made.

The discussion above is merely provided for general backgroundinformation and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining thescope of the claimed subject matter.

SUMMARY

This document discloses an interface for an implement that is to beoperably coupled to a power machine. In one embodiment, an implementcarrier is disclosed. The implement carrier is configured to be mountedto a power machine and receive and secure an implement for use with thepower machine. The implement carrier includes an implement carrierframe, a locking feature for securing an implement to the implementcarrier frame, and a coupler block that is configured to be engaged withcouplers on the implement to provide power to the implement. The couplerblock has a plurality of couplers mounted in it for engagement withcouplers on an implement and it is pivotally mounted to the implementcarrier frame.

In another embodiment, a power machine having an implement carrier isdisclosed. The power machine has a frame, a power source supported bythe frame, and a lift arm pivotally mounted to the frame. The implementcarrier is pivotally mounted to the lift arm and is configured toreceive and secure an implement for use with the power machine. Theimplement carrier includes a plurality of couplers that are configuredto be engaged with the implement to provide a power signal from thesource to the implement. A locking mechanism is provided for securingthe implement to the implement carrier. The power machine is furtherdisclosed in combination with an implement.

In another embodiment, a method of interfacing an implement with a powermachine is disclosed. The method includes providing an implement carrieron the power machine capable of engaging and securing the implement tothe power machine. The implement carrier has a frame, a coupler assemblyhousing a plurality of couplers that provide a power source to theimplement and a locking actuator for securing the implement to theimplement carrier. The coupler assembly is positioned on a back side ofthe frame and the couplers being accessible from a front side of theframe. The method further includes aligning the implement carrier withand engaging the implement, aligning the coupler assembly with couplerson the implement, and actuating the locking actuator to secure theimplement to the implement carrier.

This Summary and the Abstract are provided to introduce a selection ofconcepts in a simplified form that are further described below in theDetailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a representative power machine of thetype on which the disclosed embodiments can be practiced.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the representative power machine of FIG.1, showing a prior art implement carrier.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first side of an implementcarrier having a coupler block for providing a connection between apower source on a power machine and an implement according to oneillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second side of the implementcarrier of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a first side of the coupler blockillustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second side of the coupler blockillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the coupler block illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a cross-section of a portion of the coupler block of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7B illustrates an enlarged view of the implement carrier of FIG. 3illustrating a coupler block carrier for carrying the coupler block ofFIG. 5 according to one illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the coupler block carrier of FIG.7B.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a portion of a hydraulic circuitof a power machine having an implement carrier having a coupler block asshown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of a portion of hydraulic circuitof a power machine having an implement carrier having a coupler block asshown in FIG. 3 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of one embodiment of an implementcapable of being coupled to an implement carrier of the type illustratedin FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an implement carrier interface from theimplement of FIG. 9, showing a coupler assembly in more detail.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of coupling an implementhaving a coupler assembly of FIG. 10 to a power machine having animplement carrier of FIG. 3 according to one illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a coupler block for an implement carrier of a powermachine and coupler assembly for an implement that are configured toengage and be secured to one another according to another illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the coupler assembly ofFIG. 12, taken across two of the hydraulic couplers.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler block of FIG. 12aligned with the coupler assembly of FIG. 12, the cross-section takenacross two of the couplers.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate the coupler block and coupler assembly of FIG. 14in various states of engagement.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of relieving pressure inthe coupler assembly illustrated in FIGS. 14-17 according to oneillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a coupler assemblyconfigured to be engaged with and connected to the coupler block of FIG.12 according to another illustrative embodiment, the cross section takenacross two couplers and an internal blocking valve.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the coupler assembly ofFIG. 19 aligned with the coupler block of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate the coupler block and coupler assembly of FIG. 20in various states of engagement.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method of relieving pressure inthe coupler assembly illustrated in FIGS. 20-23 according to anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler assembly configured to beengaged with and connected to the coupler of FIG. 12 according toanother illustrative embodiment, the cross section being taken acrosstwo hydraulic couplers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustratedwith reference to exemplary embodiments. These concepts, however, arenot limited in their application to the details of construction and thearrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments and arecapable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways.The terminology in this document is used for the purpose of descriptionand should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as “including,”“comprising,” and “having” and variations thereof as used herein aremeant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, aswell as additional items.

Inventive concepts are set forth in embodiments discussed below. Theembodiments are directed toward power machines, implements that aredesigned to be operably coupled to power machines, and connectionsystems and methods for connecting one or more power sources on thepower machine to the implement. More particularly, the embodimentsdiscussed below are directed toward connection systems and methods forconnecting one or more power sources on the power machine to theimplement by making a connection through an implement carrier on thepower machine. For the purposes of this discussion, a representativepower machine on which the embodiments can be practiced is illustratedin FIGS. 1-2 and described below before any embodiments are disclosed.For the sake of brevity, only one representative power machine isdiscussed. However, as mentioned above, the embodiments below can bepracticed on any of a number of power machines, including power machinesof different types from the representative power machine discussedbelow. In particular, the embodiments disclosed below can be practicedon power machines having different sized and shaped implement carriersthan the ones shown in the representative power machine.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of arepresentative power machine 100 upon which the disclosed embodimentscan be employed. While certain features of power machine 100 arediscussed here, other power machines have other features besides thosediscussed with regard to power machine 100 or variations of the featuresof power machines on which the disclosed embodiments can be practiced.The representative power machine 100 is a work vehicle in the form of aloader and more particularly, a skid steer loader. However, the conceptsdiscussed below can be practiced on many other types of work vehiclessuch as tracked loaders, steerable wheeled loaders, including all-wheelsteer loaders, excavators, telehandlers, walk behind loaders, trenchers,and utility vehicles, to name but a few examples as well as many otherdifferent types of power machines. The power machine 100 includes asupporting frame or main frame 102 that supports a power source 104 suchas an internal combustion engine. A power conversion system 106 isoperably coupled to the power source 104. Power conversion system 106illustratively receives power from the power source 104 and controlsignals from operator inputs to convert the received power into powersignals in a form that is provided to and utilized by functionalcomponents of the power machine.

In some power machines, including power machine 100, the powerconversion system 106 includes hydraulic components such as one or morehydraulic pumps, various actuators, and other components that areillustratively employed to receive and selectively provide power signalsin the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid to some or all of theactuators used to control functional components of the power machine100. For example, a control valve assembly (not separately shown) isused to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid from a hydraulicpump to actuators such as hydraulic cylinders that are positioned on thepower machine. Power conversion system 106 also selectively providespressurized hydraulic fluid, to a port 134, to which an implement can becoupled for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid. Other power machinesupon which the disclosed embodiments can be practiced can employ otherpower conversion systems. For example, some power machines have powerconversion systems that include electric generators or the like togenerate electrical control signals to power electric actuators. Stillother power machines have mechanical transmissions that act as a powerconversion system, at least so far as a drive system is concerned.

Among the functional components that are capable of receiving powersignals from the power conversion system 106 are tractive elements 108,illustratively shown as wheels, which are configured to rotatably engagea support surface to cause the power machine to travel. Other examplesof power machines can have tracks or other tractive elements instead ofwheels. Power machine 100 has a pair of hydraulic motors (not shown inFIGS. 1-2) that convert a hydraulic power signal into a rotationaloutput. In some power machines, such as skid steer loaders includingpower machine 100, a single hydraulic motor is operably coupled to allof the tractive elements on one side of the power machine. Other powermachines have, a hydraulic motor provided for each of its tractiveelements. Still other machines have a single drive motor that isoperably coupled to every driven tractive element. In a skid steerloader, such as power machine 100, steering is accomplished by providingunequal rotational outputs to the tractive element or elements on oneside of the machine as opposed to the other side to cause the loader toskid across a support surface. In some power machines, steering isaccomplished through other means, such as, for example, steerable axles.

The power machine 100 also includes a lift arm structure 114 that iscapable of being raised and lowered with respect to the frame 102. Thelift arm structure 114 illustratively includes a pair of lift arms 116that are pivotally coupled to the frame 102 at pivotable joints 118located on either side of the frame along an axis that is perpendicularto the frame. A pair of actuators 120 (only one is shown in FIGS. 1-2),which in some embodiments are hydraulic cylinders configured to receivepressurized fluid from power conversion system 106, are pivotallycoupled to both the frame 102 and the lift arms 116 at pivotable joints122 and 124, respectively on either side of the power machine 100. Theactuators 120 are sometimes referred to individually and collectively aslift cylinders. Extension and retraction of the actuators 120 cause thelift arms 116 to pivot about pivotable joints 118 and thereby be raisedand lowered along a generally vertical path. Arrow 138 provides anindication of a general path of an end of the lift arms 116 as they areraised and lowered. The lift arm structure 114 is representative of thetype of lift arm structure that may be coupled to the power machine 100.Other lift arm structures, with different geometries, components, andarrangements can be coupled to the power machine 100 or other powermachines upon which the embodiments discussed herein can be practicedwithout departing from the scope of the present discussion.

An implement carrier 130 is pivotally coupled to the lift arms 116 alongan axis that runs through pivotable joints 132. The implement carrier130 is configured to accept and secure any one of a plurality ofdifferent types of implements thereto. By having an implement carriercapable of being attached to a plurality of different implements,changing from one implement to another can be accomplished with relativeease. For example, machines with implement carriers can provide anactuator between the implement carrier and the lift arm structure, sothat removing or attaching an implement does not involve removing orattaching an actuator from the implement. The implement carrier 130provides a mounting structure for easily attaching an implement to thelift arm (or other portion of a power machine) that a lift arm structurewithout an implement carrier does not have.

One or more actuators such as hydraulic cylinders 136 are pivotallycoupled to the implement carrier 130 and the lift arm structure 114 tocause the implement carrier 130 to rotate under power about an axis thatextends through the pivotable joint 132 in an arc approximated by arrow128 in response to operator input. In some embodiments, the one or moreactuators pivotally coupled to the implement carrier and the lift armassembly are hydraulic cylinders capable of receiving pressurizedhydraulic fluid from the power conversion system 106. The one or morehydraulic cylinders 136 are sometimes referred to as tilt cylinders. Asmentioned above, the implement carrier 130 is configured to accept andsecure any one of a number of different implements to the power machine100 as may be desired to accomplish a particular work task.

Power machine 100 provides a source, accessible at port 134 mentionedabove, of power and control signals that is made available for couplingto an implement to control various functions on such an implement, inresponse to operator inputs. In one embodiment, port 134 includeshydraulic couplers that are connectable to an implement for providingpower signals in the form of pressurized fluid provided by the powerconversion system 106 for use by the implement. Alternatively or inaddition, port 134 includes electrical connectors that can provide powersignals and control signals to the implement to control and enableactuators of the type described above to control operation of functionalcomponents on the implement.

Power machine 100 also illustratively includes a cab 140 that issupported by the frame 102 and defines, at least in part, an operatorcompartment 142. Operator compartment 142 typically includes an operatorseat (not shown) and operator input devices (not shown) and displaydevices (not shown) accessible and viewable from a sitting position inthe seat. When an operator is seated properly within the operatorcompartment 142, the operator can manipulate operator input devices tocontrol such functions as driving the power machine 100, raising andlowering the lift arm structure 114, rotating the implement carrier 130about the lift arm structure 114 and make power and control signalsavailable to an implement via the sources available at port 134. Anelectronic controller 150 is provided for receiving inputs from operatorinput devices and providing control signals to functional devices on thepower machine 100. The electronic controller 150 shown in FIG. 1 can beany form of electronic controller or controllers capable of processinginputs and providing control signals. While an electronic controller 150is shown in FIG. 1, some power machines upon which the embodimentsdescribed below can be practiced may not include any sort of electroniccontroller.

As discussed above, the implement carrier 130 is capable of acceptingand securing any of a number of different implements for use toaccomplish various tasks. The implement carrier 130 and implementscapable of being secured to the implement carrier 130 provide forflexibility of use of power machine 100, thereby allowing an operator toperform many different tasks with the same power machine. Implementcarriers of this type are generally known and an example of an implementcarrier for a loader is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,521 of Bauer et al.and an example of an implement carrier for an excavator is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,974,706 of Kaczmarski et al. Because the implement carrier130 is designed to accept and secure different implements by engagingattachment features (described below), implements can be attached to andremoved from the power machine quickly and without the use of tools. Incertain jobs, an operator may repeatedly change implements (i.e., removeone implement and attach another) during a given work event to performvarious tasks.

One aspect of this disclosure is directed toward connection systems andmethods for connecting one or more power sources on the power machine toan implement by making a connection through an implement carrier on thepower machine. FIGS. 3-4 illustrate one embodiment of an implementcarrier 200 that is advantageously capable of providing a connectionfeature that provides a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to animplement that is coupled to the implement carrier. The implementcarrier 200 is of the type that can be provided on a power machine suchas power machine 100 (thereby replacing the implement carrier 130illustrated in FIGS. 1-2). Implement carrier 200 includes a frame 202with a first side 212 (illustrated in FIG. 3) and an opposing secondside 214 (illustrated in FIG. 4). For the purposes of this discussion,the first side 212 can be referred to as a front side and the secondside 214 can be referred to as a rear side. The first or front side 212is oriented to generally face and abut an implement when the implementis attached to the implement carrier 200. When the implement carrier 200is attached to a power machine, the second or rear side 214 is generallyfacing the power machine to which the implement carrier is attached,although as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2, an implementcarrier can pivot with respect to an attachment point on the a powermachine so the second or rear side 214 may not always be facing thepower machine. The frame 202 has one or more engagement features 218that are capable of engaging an implement during the attachment processand one or more locking features 220 that lock the implement onto theimplement carrier. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, theengagement features 218 are a pair of forward extending edges on a topof the frame 202 and the locking features 220 are a pair of wedgescapable of being inserted into locking features on the implement on abottom side of the frame. Referring briefly to FIGS. 3 and 9, during theprocess of attaching implement 300 to the implement carrier 200, theengagement features 218 of the implement carrier 200 engage withcomplementary engagement features 318 on an implement carrier interface302 of implement 300. The implement 300 then pivots about an engagementaxis between the engagement features 218 and the engagement features 318on the respective implement carrier 200 and the implement 300 such thatthe engagement features 218 and 318 act as a sort of hinge. Thispivoting occurs when the implement carrier is rotated back toward thelift arm and/or the lift arm is raised, causing the implement to belifted so that the weight of the implement pivots the implement intoposition when the engagement features 218 and 318 are properly engaged.Other implement carriers can have various other types of engagement andlocking features or just locking features. The frame 202 of implementcarrier 200, being the type that can be used with power machine 100, hasa main portion 216 that has a generally flat surface against which aninterface portion of an implement can abut when connected to theimplement carrier.

The locking features or wedges 220 can be manually operated by levers222, which are rotatable to raise and lower the wedges 220. In addition,an actuator 224 is provided that can be operated to raise and lower thewedges in response to an operator input. Actuator 224 in the embodimentshown is a hydraulic cylinder and will be discussed as such in moredetail below. In other embodiments, actuator 224 can be any suitableactuator, linear or otherwise, that is capable of manipulating thelocking features 220 into and out of a locked position (i.e. that iscapable of raising and lowering the locking wedges of this embodiment).The implement coupler 200 also includes a coupler block or assembly 210mounted to the frame 202. The coupler block 210 houses a plurality ofcouplers that are configured to be connected to an implement to providea power source. The couplers of coupler assembly 210 include a pluralityof hydraulic conduits that are capable of providing pressurizedhydraulic fluid to an implement that is being carried by the implementcarrier 200, with the connection of the coupler block 210 to a matingconnection device on an implement being made as part of the mounting ofsuch an implement onto the implement carrier 200. In other embodiments,couplers in a coupler assembly need not be of the type that providepressurized hydraulic fluid or be limited to couplers of the type thatprovide pressurized hydraulic fluid. For example, other types ofcouplers that might be included in such a coupler assembly would beelectrical couplers. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided from apower source on the power machine to the actuator 224 and the couplerassembly 210 via conduits such as hydraulic hoses and/or tubelines,which are not shown in FIGS. 3-4 for clarity's sake. The implementcarrier 200 also includes an alignment feature 238 in the form of anaperture is provided in the main portion 216 of the frame 202 that canassist with alignment of an implement with the implement carrier duringthe implement mounting process by engaging with a correspondingalignment feature on certain implements to be mounted on the implementduring the implement mounting process. Some implements may not have acorresponding alignment feature and some embodiments of implementcarriers likewise may not have alignment features such as alignmentfeature 238, but in instances where both alignment features areprovided, the alignment of implement and implement carrier is improvedand more particularly, the alignment of coupler block 210 andcorresponding couplers on the implement is improved.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the coupler block 210 shown in FIGS. 3-4 in moredetail. Coupler block 210 is one embodiment of a coupler assembly thatcan be incorporated into implement carrier 200. Other embodiments of acoupler assembly need not include some of the features described withcoupler block 210. At its most basic, an embodiment of a coupler blockthat can be incorporated into implement carrier 200 includes a mechanismfor holding couplers for mating with couplers on an implement. Thecoupler block 210 of FIG. 5 shows a first side or face 215, which iscapable of interfacing with couplers on an implement and FIG. 6 shows asecond side 225 that opposes the first side 215. The coupler block 210includes a housing 230 with a pair of mounting features 232 and 234shown in this embodiment as including a pair of trunnions that aremountable to the implement carrier frame 202 to allow the coupler block210 to pivot about an axis 236 that extends through the mountingfeatures 232 and 234. Because the coupler block 210 is capable ofpivoting with respect to the frame 202, the coupler block can be pivotedto align with couplers on an implement that is attached to the implementcarrier. This pivoting feature allows the coupler block 210 toaccommodate variations from one implement to the next and/or accommodateminor misalignment when making connection with a particular implement.As discussed below, because of the arcuate movement of the implementwith respect to the implement carrier 200 during the connection process,there will virtually always be alignment issues for which the pivotingcoupler block accommodates. Coupler block 210 is of a generallycylindrical shape, but can take on other shapes as shown in succeedingembodiments discussed below without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure.

The coupler block 210 has a plurality of couplers 240, 242, and 244 thatare configured to mate with couplers on an implement on first ends ofeach of the couplers (the couplers being oriented so that the first endsof the couplers 240, 242, and 244 are positioned on the first face 215)to provide a power source in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid tothe implement. The couplers 240, 242, and 244 are capable of beingcoupled to conduits on a power machine on the second side 225. Thecouplers 240, 242, and 244 are shown generically in FIGS. 5 and 6 andcan be selected from any couplers that will couple with couplersprovided on implements of the type configured to be engaged with couplerblock 210 to provide hydraulic fluid to the implement. One example of atype of coupler that can be employed in coupler block 210 andcorresponding implements is a so-called flush face coupler. In theembodiment shown, first and second couplers 240 and 242 provide for asource and return line to and from the implement, allowing for flow ofthe pressurized fluid to the implement in two different directions. Thatis, either of the couplers 240 and 242 can be the source line with theother being the return line, depending on how hydraulic fluid isprovided from the source on a power machine to which the coupler block210 is mounted or depending on an application, each of the couplers canbe either a source or return on the same power machine, that is, fluidcan be provided in either of two directions, as is stated above. Coupler244 provides a connection for so-called case drain line, which providesan additional return line from an implement. The description of thecouplers 240, 242, and 244 is provided here for illustrative purposes.In various embodiments, any number of couplers can be provided in acoupler block such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 for the purposesof providing hydraulic fluid to and receiving hydraulic fluid from animplement in any configuration or direction. The specific description ofthe couplers shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is not intended to limit theconcepts set forth herein to that particular selection and arrangementof couplers. Various embodiments can include different types ofcouplers. In addition, the selected couplers can be arranged in variousways without departing from the scope of the discussion. For example, amating pair of couplers are often referred to as including a malecoupler and a female coupler. In various embodiments, a coupler block orcoupler assembly can have either male or female couplers, or acombination of both. A pair of locating features 246 and 248 are formedinto the first face 215. The locating features 246 and 248 are aperturescapable of receiving locating protrusions on an implement. Any numberand type of locating features on a coupler block can be employed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-6, the coupler block 210 includes apiston 250 mounted within the housing 230. Other embodiments of thecoupler block 210 may not have a piston of the type shown in FIGS. 5-6.The piston 250 provides a way to extend the couplers 240, 242, and 244,which are mounted in the piston 250. The piston 250 is capable of beingmoved relative to the housing 230 along an axis 252 from a fullyretracted position, in which the piston does not extend beyond a forwardedge 254 of the housing 230, to a fully extended position, in which thepiston does extend beyond the forward edge 254. When the piston 250 isextended, the couplers 240, 242, and 244 are also extended as they arefixed within the piston in such a way that they move with the piston. Byproviding an extending member such as piston 250, the coupler block 210is advantageously capable of providing a better engagement with animplement that is mounted to an implement carrier and is configured tobe engaged with coupler block 210. Returning briefly to FIG. 3, becausesome implements may not be configured to engage with coupler block 210(for example, some simple implements such as buckets do not require asource of hydraulic fluid to operate properly and other prior artimplements are not configured to engage coupler block 210, but insteadare configured to connect to a hydraulic source at port 134 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, for example), having a coupler block with a piston thatis capable of extending and retracting within its housing will allow thecoupler block to be retracted behind the generally flat surface of themain portion 216 when such an implement is mounted on the implementcarrier. In some embodiments, however, the coupler block is recessedfrom the flat surface of the main portion 216 such that even when thepiston is fully extended, the piston is merely flush with, or evenslightly recessed from the flat surface of the main portion 216. Asmentioned above, other embodiments of the coupler block do not have apiston and are thus positioned flush with, or slightly recessed from theflat surface of the main portion 216. The position of the piston 250 iscontrolled by providing and evacuating pressurized hydraulic fluid intothe housing 230. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-6, a port 256 isprovided that extends into the housing 230 for providing a path to allowthe entry and exit of hydraulic fluid into and out of the housing 230.In other embodiments, a port can be provided in other locations (forexample, through mounting feature 232 or 234) to allow pressurizedhydraulic fluid to enter into and exit out of housing 230 or piston 250.In still other embodiments, a piston such as piston 250 may be extendedand/or retracted with other actuation schemes and apparatuses,including, for example an electrical actuator, a spring mechanism, andpneumatic actuators, to name a few.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the coupler block 210. Themounting features 232 and 234 each include a post 260 and 262,respectively, that extends laterally from the housing and a bearing orbushing 264 and 266, respectively, held on the respective posts byfasteners 268 and 270, which are shown to be in the form of snap rings.Other embodiments can have different types of mounting features,different fasteners or fastening arrangements. A fitting 272 is insertedinto port 256. Fitting 272 is of the type that can be coupled to aconduit on the power machine.

The piston 250 fits into the housing 230 and a cap 274 engages thehousing 230 to hold the piston 250 therein. The cap 274 includesapertures for engaging an internal feature 285 in housing 230 toproperly index the internal feature and prevent rotation of the piston250 within the housing. In other embodiments, other anti-rotationfeatures can be used. Seals 280 and 282 seal the piston 250 against thecap 274 and the housing 230 to prevent the intrusion of foreign materialinto the housing and seal 284 is inserted into a groove 286, whichengages an exterior surface of the housing 230 and an interior surfaceof the cap 274. FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portionof the coupler block 210. Seal 284 is shown seated into groove 286 andseals 280 and 282 are shown positioned between the piston 250 and thecap 274 and housing 230, respectively. Seals 280 and 282 are deformed tofit and seal against the piston 250, with their non-deformed or freeshape shown in outline against piston 250 in FIG. 7A. Seal 290 ispositioned in a groove 292 in the piston 250 and seal 294 is positionedin a groove 296 in the housing 230 to seal the pressurized hydraulicfluid that is provided via port 256 into housing 230 to urge the piston250 out of the housing (i.e. the housing with the cap 274 attachedthereto as shown in FIG. 7A. The piston 250 is, in one embodiment, notbiased into any one position but can be retracted when a force isapplied to the piston on the first surface 215 of the coupler block 210,even if hydraulic fluid is being provided into the housing 230, providedthe force applied to the first surface 215 is greater than the forceapplied by the hydraulic fluid provided into the housing 230 for thepurposes of urging the piston 250 out of the housing.

As discussed above, the coupler block 210 is pivotally mounted into theimplement carrier 200. FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate a portion of implementcarrier 200 showing a carrier 205 to which the coupler block 210 ispivotally mounted. The carrier 205 includes a fixed portion or ring 207that is secured to the main portion 216 of the implement carrier 200. Inthe embodiment shown, the main portion 216 includes a front plate 217that forms some or all of the front side 212 of the implement carrier200. An angled back plate 219 is secured to the front plate 217 such asby welding and the ring 207 of the carrier 205 is secured to the angledback plate 219 such as by welding. The ring 207 can also be fixed to thefront plate 217 by welding. The front plate also includes an angledengagement surface 231, which is configured to engage a complementarysurface on an implement to apply a retaining force on the implement whenthe implement is secured to the implement carrier 200. The ring 207 hasa pair of notches 221 formed into an outside wall 223, the notches beingsized to accept a portion of the mounting features 232 and 234 (shown inFIG. 5) of the coupler block 210. During assembly, the coupler block 210is placed into position adjacent the fixed portion 207 of the carrier205 and is pivotally secured by the fixed portion and a removable coverportion 209 of the carrier. The removable cover portion 209 of thecarrier 205 is secured to the fixed portion 207 with fasteners 211. Theremovable cover portion has notches 227 that are aligned with notches221 to engage and hold the coupler block in place. Different embodimentscan have a coupler block carrier with different features from those ofcarrier 205. For example, other carriers can have a removable cover thatis made of a single piece as opposed to the plurality of pieces shown inFIG. 7B. As another example, the coupler block can be inserted into acarrier and the entire carrier can be affixed with fasteners to theimplement carrier, rather than having a fixed portion that is welded tothe implement carrier.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a portion of a hydraulic circuit 291for use in a power machine such as power machine 100 for providingpressurized hydraulic fluid to coupler block 210 on implement carrier200. The hydraulic circuit 291 includes a source 271 of pressurizedhydraulic fluid that is capable of being selectively supplied via afirst output 267 or a second output 269 such that when pressurizedhydraulic fluid is provided via one of the first output and the secondoutput, the source is capable of receiving returned fluid via the otherof the first output and the second output. The source 271 can include abi-directional pump that is controlled to selectively providepressurized hydraulic fluid or alternatively, a pump that providespressurized hydraulic fluid to a control valve, which in turnselectively provides hydraulic fluid in response to operator input toeither one of the first and second outputs 267 and 269. A path isprovided from the first output 267 via a conduit 273 to the coupler 240and a path is provided from the second output 269 via a conduit 275 tocoupler 242. In addition, the first and second outputs 267 and 269 arein fluid communication with a shuttle valve 277 as inputs thereto.

An output of the shuttle valve 277 is provided as an input to a couplerblock control valve 279, which is capable of selectively providingpressurized hydraulic fluid to and evacuating pressurized hydraulicfluid from coupler block 210. Coupler block control valve 279 as shownin FIG. 8 is a two-position valve with a first position 281 providing apath from coupler block 210 to a low pressure reservoir 287. The couplerblock control valve 279 is biased to the first position 281 in thisembodiment, although in other embodiments that need not be the case.When the coupler block control valve 279 is in a second position 283,the output of the shuttle valve 277 is in communication with couplerblock 210 and more specifically with port 256 of coupler block 210. Whencoupler block control valve 279 is in the second position 283 and thesource 271 is providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to one of the firstand second outputs 267 and 269, the pressurized hydraulic fluid is alsoprovided via the second position 283 to port 256 of control block 210,thereby urging piston 250 out of the housing. When the source 271 is notproviding pressurized hydraulic fluid to one of the first and secondoutputs 267 and 269 and the coupler block control valve 279 is in thesecond position 283, any pressure that may have been provided to port256 when the shuttle valve 277 is closed will be present to piston 250.

An actuator 285 is provided to control the position of the valve 279.Actuator 285, when actuated, overcomes a biasing member 289 to move thevalve from the first position 281 to the second position 283. Actuator285 is an electrically actuated solenoid, although any suitable actuatorcan be used. Actuator 285 is actuated in response to operator input. Inone embodiment, the actuator 285 is actuated in response to actuation ofan operator input that initiates an auxiliary hydraulics mode, that is,a mode that allows for providing hydraulic fluid to an implement that isoperably coupled to the power machine. In other embodiments, actuator285 can be actuated in response to other operator inputs.

FIG. 8A illustrates schematically illustrates an alternative embodimentof a portion of a hydraulic circuit 291A form providing pressurizedhydraulic fluid to coupler block 210 on implement carrier 200. A powersource 271A provides a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid via anoutput 267A, which is provided to a coupler block control valve 279A.The power source 271A is, in one embodiment, a constant volume pump thatprovides fluid in a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for ashuttle valve of the type shown in FIG. 8 to select an input to thecoupler block control valve 279A. A check valve 263A is provided betweenthe source 271A and the coupler block control valve 279A. The couplerblock control valve 279A is similar to the coupler block control valve279 and is used to selectively provide and evacuate fluid to block 210for controlling the introduction and evacuation of pressurized fluid beto piston 230. Coupler block control valve 279A has a first position281A that provides a path from coupler block 210 to a low pressurereservoir 287. The coupler block control valve 279A is biased to thefirst position 281 via biasing member 289A. When the coupler blockcontrol valve 279A is in a second position 283A, the output 267A of thesource 271A is in communication with coupler block 210 and morespecifically with port 256 of coupler block 210, thereby urging piston250 out of the housing.

Actuator 285A is provided to control the position of the valve 279A.Actuator 285A, when actuated, overcomes biasing member 289A to move thevalve from the first position 281A to the second position 283A. Actuator285A is an electrically actuated solenoid, although any suitableactuator can be used. Actuator 285A is actuated in response to operatorinput. In one embodiment, the actuator 285A is actuated in response toactuation of an operator input that initiates an auxiliary hydraulicsmode, that is, a mode that allows for providing hydraulic fluid to animplement that is operably coupled to the power machine. In otherembodiments, actuator 285 can be actuated in response to other operatorinputs.

FIG. 9 illustrates an implement 300 of the type that is configured to bemounted onto implement carrier 200 and more particularly is configuredto be coupled with coupler block 210 according to one illustrativeembodiment. Implements of this type, including implement 300 include animplement carrier interface 302 and a tool portion 304. The implementcarrier 302 interface includes complementary engagement features 318 andlocking features 320 that are configured to engage the engagementfeatures 218 and 220 (shown in FIG. 3) on implement carrier 200 tosecure the implement 300 to the implement carrier and a complementaryangled engagement surface 331 that is configured to engage the angledengagement surface 231 when the implement 300 is coupled to theimplement carrier 200. The complementary engagement features 218 and 318and 231 and 331 and the locking features 220 and 320 ensure thatimplement 300 is secured to an implement carrier such as implementcarrier 200 in substantially the same position. During the attachmentprocess, the implement 300 pivots about the axis of engagement ofcomplementary features 218 and 318 so that the implement 300 travelsalong an arcuate path about the axis of engagement to attach theimplement to the implement carrier. Because various power machines havean implement carrier substantially similar to implement carrier 200 andvarious implements have implement interfaces that are substantiallysimilar to implement interfaces 302, a single implement can be securedto a variety of different power machines and a variety of differentimplements (including a variety of different types of implements) can beattached to a single power machine. However, manufacturing variances andcomponent wear over time can result in a less than identical lineupbetween a given implement carrier and a given implement interface.Because it is important to have precise alignment of the coupler block210 and couplers on the implement, alignment features are provided asare discussed above and in more detail below.

The tool portion 304 includes a blade 306 that is mounted to a frame 308at a pivotal mount 310. An actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder312 is provided to pivot the blade 306 in response to operator inputsthat are actuated to cause a power machine to which the implement isattached to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the implement (via acoupler block 210 as shown above). Different implements will havedifferent tool portions and the implement 300 shown is for illustrativepurposes only, with the understanding that many other types of tools canincorporate the concepts related to coupling of a power source throughan implement carrier to an implement.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of implement carrier interface 302.Implement interface includes a generally flat surface 325 with a couplerassembly 330 that is configured to engage coupler block 210. Couplerassembly 330 includes couplers 340, 342, and 344, each of which isconfigured to engage with couplers 240, 242, and 244, respectively. Apair of locating features 346 and 348 are provided that are configuredto engage with locating features 246 and 248. In addition, a locatingfeature 338 is capable of engaging locating feature 238 in the mainportion 216 of the implement carrier 200.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 400 of securing an implement having animplement carrier interface such as implement carrier interface 302described above to an implement carrier 200 according to oneillustrative embodiment. The method 400 is described with reference tofeatures of the implement carrier 200 and the implement carrierinterface 302 illustrated in FIGS. 3-10 and discussed above. At block402 of the method, a power machine having an implement carrier 200 isaligned and engaged with an implement carrier interface 302. Aligningand engaging the implement carrier 200 can include rotating theimplement carrier about pivoting joint 132 so that engagement features218 are aligned with engagement features 318 and positioning lockingfeatures 220 in an unlocked position. These particular details arerelevant to the implement carrier described above. Implement carriershaving other types of engagement and/or locking features can requirethat other steps be taken to align and engage an implement carrier withan implement carrier interface. In addition, implement carrier 200 iscapable of securing implements that do not have couplers capable ofinterfacing with coupler block 210. The method 400 is directedspecifically at securing an implement such as implement 300 that doeshave such couplers to the implement carrier 200.

At block 404, the method further includes aligning coupler block 210 onthe implement carrier 200 with couplers on the implement. This alignmentmay occur simultaneously with the engagement of the implement carrierwith the implement carrier interface. However, because the implement 300is rotating about the axis of engagement formed by the engagement of theengagement features on each of the implement carrier 200 and theimplement, during the alignment process, the couplers on the implementare not in alignment with the coupler block 210. That is, if the couplerblock 210 is oriented such that the front face 215 is parallel withfirst side or face 212, the couplers on the implement 300 will not bealigned with the couplers in the coupler block (i.e. the couplers on theimplement will not be positioned along the axis 252. As described above,the coupler block 210 is capable of rotating on its mounting features232 and 234 to accommodate the lack of linear alignment because of thearcuate travel path of the implement. The alignment is thus a sort ofclamshell alignment process, with the coupler block 210 pivoting toalign with the implement couplers (i.e. rotating so that axis 252 is inalignment with the couplers on the implement 300) as the implement 300approaches the implement carrier. Advantageously, the weight of theimplement 300 itself facilitates the alignment and urges the engagementof the coupler block 210 with the couplers on the implement 300. Thus,the implement coupler block 210 and the couplers on the implement can bealigned and engaged without the use of any additional actuators to makethe connection. While the embodiments above disclose a pivoting couplerblock 210 and rigid or stationary couplers on the implement, inalternate embodiments, the arrangement of the coupler block and rigidlymounted couplers can be reversed, with a pivoting coupler block beingmounted to the implement and with rigidly mounted couplers being mountedon the implement carrier.

Alignment of the coupler block 210 and the couplers on the implement 300includes engagement of the locating feature 338 on the implement carrierinterface 302 with the locating feature 238 on the implement carrier 200and engagement of the locating features 346 and 348 with the locatingfeatures 246 and 248. In the embodiments shown above, the locatingfeatures 338, 346, and 348 are protruding pins that engage locatingfeatures 238, 246, and 248, which are apertures. Because, as isdescribed above, the implement carrier 200 is configured to be securednot only to implements that are configured to engage with coupler block210, but also with implements that are not configured to engage withcoupler block 210, it is advantageous that locating features 238, 246,and 248 are such that they do not extend beyond the first face 215. Thelocating feature 338, in one embodiment, is longer than the locatingfeatures 346 and 348. Thus, locating feature 338 engages with thelocating feature 238 before the locating features 346 and 348 engagewith locating features 246 and 248. The interaction of locating features238 and 338 provides a relatively rough alignment and will facilitatethe location of coupler 210 with respect to coupler 330, with thesubsequent interaction of the locating features 246 and 248 withlocating features 346 and 348 providing a final alignment. When all ofthe locating features are engaged, the couplers 240, 242, and 244 arealigned with the couplers 340, 342, and 344.

At block 406, the implement 300 is secured to the implement carrier 200.This is accomplished by engaging the locking features or wedges 220 onthe implement carrier 200 with the locking features 320 on the implement300. When the implement 300 is secured to the implement carrier 200, theimplement carrier 200 applies a holding force against the engagementfeatures 318 and the complementary angled engagement surface 331 to holdthe implement 300 on the implement carrier, with the wedges 220 engagingthe locking features 320 to ensure that the implement 300 remains inplace. When the implement 300 is secured to the implement carrier 200,the couplers 240, 242, and 244 in the coupler block 210 are aligned withthe couplers 340, 342, and 344 and in the process of securing theimplement carrier 200, these aligned couplers are coupled together.Because the couplers are coupled together as part of securing theimplement to the implement carrier, on power machines that employ anactuator such as actuator 224 to secure the implement to the implementcarrier, an operator will be able to secure the implement to theimplement carrier and simultaneously couple the couplers, all withoutleaving the operator compartment. However, due to variations inmanufacturing from one implement to another or one implement carrier toanother or in wear over time during operation, the couplers 240, 242 and244 may not extend far enough to be fully coupled to the couplers 340,342, and 344. Thus, at block 408, the method provides for extending thepiston 250 forward toward the couplers 340, 342, and 344, therebyadvantageously providing a structure and method for providing alignmentin a fore and aft direction relative to coupler block 210. Extension ofthe piston 250 is accomplished in response to an operator input. Thisinput can be the same input used to signal an intention to causeactuator 224 to engage the locking features or wedges 220 with lockingfeatures 320 or a separate input device can be provided to receive asignal to extend the piston 250. In embodiments where a piston such aspiston 250 is not provided in the coupler block, an attachment methodwould not include this step.

Implements such as implement 300 that have hydraulic actuators, such ascylinders, motors, and the like that receive pressurized hydraulic fluidfrom a power machine typically have couplers for connection to the powermachine that prevent hydraulic fluid from escaping from hydraulic lineson the implement when the implement is not connected to a power machine.The couplers thus operate as check valves that block flow out of theimplement when the implement is not coupled to a power machine. Whilethis advantageously prevents hydraulic fluid from leaking out of theimplement, when an implement is disconnected, residual pressure (orpressure buildup, for example as the result of temperature changesbetween the time when an implement is disconnected and reconnected) inthe implement can make connection to a power machine difficult, becauseenough force has to be applied to the couplers to overcome the pressurein the hydraulic conduits on the implement. FIG. 12 illustrates anotherembodiment of a coupler assembly 600 for use on an implement such asimplement 300 to house couplers and that provide additional features forpressure relief when the implement is not coupled to a power machine.Coupler assembly 600 is shown in FIG. 12 positioned adjacent to acoupler block 500. Coupler block 500 illustrates another embodiment of acoupler block of the type that can be integrated into an implementcarrier such as implement carrier 200. Coupler block 500 is shapedsomewhat differently than coupler block 210 described above, and thuswould require a differently shaped carrier than carrier 205. Inaddition, coupler block 500 does not include the piston arrangement(i.e. piston 250) of coupler block 210. Thus, the piston 250 and itsfunctions are not necessarily included in every embodiment, as shownhere, although coupler blocks with a piston arrangement similar topiston 250 can be used to engage the coupler assembly 600 withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Coupler block 500 doesinclude a housing 530, couplers 540, 542, and 544 as well as a pair oftrunnion mounting features (only one of which, 532, is shown in FIG.12). The couplers 540 and 544 shown in cross-section in FIGS. 13-17 areshown to each have a stem (550 and 551, respectively). Any couplerscapable of interfacing with couplers 640, 642, and 644 can be used incoupler block 500 and such couplers will necessarily have internalfeatures not shown in any of FIGS. 13-17. For example, stems 550 and 551necessarily will include features to position them within theirrespective couplers and/or provide a biasing force as necessary.

Coupler assembly 600 includes a housing 630, with couplers 640, 642, and644 mounted therein. Coupler assembly 600 is configured to be rigidlymounted on an implement interface such as implement interface 302 sothat the couplers in the coupler assembly can be positioned and sized toengage with couplers 540, 542, and 544 on coupler block 500. Locatingfeatures 646 and 648 are likewise sized and positioned to engage withlocating features on coupler block 500 (not shown in FIG. 12). Inalternate embodiments, coupler assembly 600 can be pivotally mounted toan implement interface. A debris shield 602 is attached to the housing630 to deflect material that might fall between the coupler assembly 600and the coupler block 500 when they are mated.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross section of coupler assembly 600 taken acrosscouplers 640 and 644. Coupler 642 is substantially similar to coupler640 and is not shown in cross-section for simplicity's sake. Coupler 640is inserted into a cavity 650 in coupler assembly 600 and fixed in thecavity such as by a threaded engagement. As shown in FIG. 13, a groove652 is formed into the coupler 640 for carrying a seal (not shown) toseal the coupler 640 in the coupler assembly 600. Coupler 640 isconfigured to engage with a mating coupler (such as coupler 540 incoupler block 500) to provide a fluid flow path between a power machineand hydraulic components on an implement. The coupler assembly 600includes a port 656 (shown in FIG. 14) that provides a communicationpath from the cavity 650 with a hydraulic circuit on the implement. Inaddition, coupler assembly 600 has a fluid relief path 654 that isselectively in communication with cavity 650. The fluid relief path 654,as discussed in more detail below, provides additional volume to holdpressurized fluid when the implement is not connected to a powermachine, thereby reducing the pressure of fluid in the implement whenthe implement is not attached to a power machine.

Coupler 640 includes a body 660 and a valve member 662, which is movablebetween a closed position as shown in FIG. 13 and an open position. Aseal (not shown) is positioned with in a groove 663 in the body 660 toseal the valve member 662 against the body. In the closed position,hydraulic fluid is generally unable to enter or exit the couplerassembly 600 through coupler 640. A biasing member 664 biases the valvemember 662 to the closed position. When the valve member 662 is in theopen position, hydraulic fluid is capable of entering or exiting thecoupler assembly 600 through coupler 640. Coupler 644 likewise has avalve member 666 and a biasing member 668. Valve member 666 is alsoshown in a closed position in FIG. 13, with biasing member 668 urgingthe valve member 666 into the closed position.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of coupler assembly 600 along with across section of coupler block 500 positioned adjacent and aligned withcoupler assembly 600, but not yet engaged with coupler assembly 600.FIG. 14 provides a better view of fluid relief path 654 and theengagement between the fluid relief path and cavity 650. Fluid reliefpath 654 includes an opening 655 into which a plunger portion 670 of thevalve member 662 enters when the valve member 662 moves from the closedposition to the open position. A sealing member 672 is fitted over theplunger 670 and is shaped to engage and seal the opening 655 when thevalve member 662 moves toward the open position. A biasing member 674urges the sealing member 672 toward an end 676 of the plunger 670 and isretained by a fastener 677 such as a snap ring or other suitableretainer. When the valve member 662 is in the closed position as shownin FIG. 14, a gap 680 exists between the sealing member 672 and theopening 655, thereby allowing pressurized hydraulic fluid to travelbetween the cavity 650 and the fluid relief path 654.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate the coupler assembly 600 aligned with couplerblock 500, showing varying degrees of engagement between the couplers640 and 644 and couplers 540 and 544 of coupler block 500. Coupler 642also engages coupler 542 in a manner similar to that of the engagementbetween coupler 640 and 540, but is not described here for simplicity'ssake. Couplers 540 and 544 of coupler block 500 are representativeexamples of so-called flush face couplers and any coupler that iscapable of mating with couplers 640 and 644 can be employed. Theinternal features of couplers 540 and 544 are shown for clarity's sakeduring the engagement process. However, these internal features are notgermane to the embodiments discussed herein. In FIG. 15, the couplers640 and 644 are in the beginning stages of engagement with couplers 540and 544. Body 660 has partially entered the coupler 540 and valve member662 has been engaged by an internal feature 550 (a stem as shown in thefigures, but any internal feature than can engage valve member 662 canbe employed) of coupler 540 that acts against the valve member 662 toovercome the biasing member 664 and cause the plunger 670 to enter thefluid relief path 654. As shown in FIG. 15, the valve member 662 has notmoved into the body 660 far enough so that it is no longer sealedagainst the body (i.e. the seal in groove 663 would still be inengagement with the valve member). In this position, the plunger 670with sealing member 672 has sealed off the fluid relief path 654 fromthe cavity 650 before pressurized hydraulic fluid can enter or exit thecavity 650 via coupler 540.

In FIG. 16, the couplers 640 and 540 (as well as couplers 644 and 544)are further engaged so that a small amount of pressurized hydraulicfluid can move into and out of cavity 650 via coupler 540. The valvemember 662 has moved far enough into the body 660 that the seal ingroove 663 is no longer in engagement with the valve member. Pressurizedhydraulic fluid can pass between the coupler 540 and the cavity 650 at arelatively slow rate. In FIG. 17, the couplers 540 and 640 are fullyengaged, and a path 690 is provided between the coupler 540, the cavity650, and the port 656. By fully engaged, it is meant that the couplersare engaged to allow adequate flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid asneeded by actuators on the implement. The discussion above is primarilyrelated to couplers 540 and 640, but couplers 542 and 642 are similarlyconfigured.

The examples discussed above illustrate the connection of hydrauliclines between an implement and a power machine to provide pressurizedhydraulic communication between the implement and power machine. Somehydraulic implements also or alternatively have electricalcommunications there between. In some embodiments, electricalcommunication can be made by manually connecting electrical connectorsat a port on the power machine such as at port 134 illustrated on powermachine 100 above. In other embodiments, electrical connectors can beincluded in block 210 or 500 for connection to electrical connectorsthat are including in the coupler assembly 330 or 600. Alternativelystill, a second coupler block on the implement carrier and a secondcoupler assembly on the implement carrier interface can be provided forto make electrical communication between the power machine andimplement.

The arrangement of the coupler blocks 210 or 500 on implement carrier200 allows for mounting implements that are not equipped with couplerassemblies that can engage such a coupler block onto the implementcarrier. One example of such an implement would be a simple bucket,which does not have any sort of hydraulic function. Another example ofsuch an implement would be an implement that has hydraulic functionsrequiring hydraulic power from a power machine but does not have acoupler block such as 330 or 600. In one embodiment of a power machinewith an implement coupler such as implement coupler block 210, a portsuch as port 134 is provided to accommodate such implements. In thisembodiment, such a power machine would have two ports for coupling tothe same power source: via a port such as port 134 and via implementcarrier 200. Such a power machine could not only provide for twodifferent ways to providing for hydraulic and/or electricalcommunication with an implement, it is also now possible to providecommunication to two different implements via each of these ports.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method 800 of relieving pressure in a hydrauliccircuit on an implement when the implement is disconnected from a powermachine from which it was selectively receiving pressurized hydraulicfluid. The method 800 is discussed with respect to the embodimentsdiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 12-17, including coupler assembly600 and coupler block 500. The method begins at block 802, where animplement is provided in hydraulic communication with a power machine.The implement in question includes a coupler assembly such as couplerassembly 600 that is fully coupled to a power machine via a couplerblock such as coupler block 500 (or, in some embodiments a coupler blockwith features such as those described above with respect to couplerblock 210). FIG. 17 illustrates an example of fully engaged couplers.

The method continues at block 804, where the process of removing theimplement from the power machine has begun. More particularly, themethod at block 804 is directed at removing communication of pressurizedhydraulic fluid between the power machine and the implement. In FIGS.15-16, the couplers 640 and 540 are shown in different stages ofdisengagement. In FIG. 16, the flow path between the couplers 640 and540 is reduced, as discussed above. In FIG. 15, the flow path betweenthe couplers 640 and 540 is eliminated. At this point, pressurizedhydraulic fluid cannot move between the couplers, but the couplers arestill engaged and the implement remains under pressure.

At block 806, the method includes relieving pressure in the implement.This includes providing a path to the fluid relief path 654 by allowingthe couplers to disengage enough to urge the seal member 672 out of thefluid relief path. This is accomplished while the couplers are stillpartially engaged. Pressurized fluid is allowed to enter the fluidrelief path 654, thereby lowering the pressure of fluid in theimplement. Although not shown in the figures, the fluid relief path insome embodiments can include an accumulator with a relatively low springrate to receive pressure and allow additional volume in the fluid reliefpath. The fluid relief path can also include flexible hose that iscapable of expanding and increasing the volume in the fluid relief path.At block 808, the couplers are disengaged and the implement is removedfrom the implement carrier, leaving the implement with a hydrauliccircuit that has a substantially reduced pressure, making subsequentcoupling of the hydraulic system to a power machine easier because ofthe relieved pressure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a coupler assembly 900 capable of relieving internalhydraulic pressure on an implement according to yet another illustrativeembodiment. Coupler assembly 900 includes a housing 930, with aplurality of couplers 940, 942, and 944 that are configured to beengaged with a coupler block on an implement carrier such as couplerblock 500. Similar features as those illustrated and discussed aboverelative to coupler assembly 600 are numbered similarly, and are notdiscussed here for the sake of brevity (i.e. debris shield 902corresponds to debris shield 602). Coupler 940, unlike coupler 640, doesnot include a valve member with a seal on an end thereof that isoperable to open and close fluid relief path 954. Instead, couplerassembly 900 includes a relief valve assembly 980 that is independent ofany coupler on the coupler assembly 900. Relief valve assembly 980includes a valve member 982 biased into an open position as shown inFIG. 19 by a biasing member 984 in the form of a compression spring. Thevalve member 982 is operably coupled to a plunger 986 that is capable ofmoving from a fully extended position as shown in FIG. 19 into aretracted position within the valve member 982. The plunger 986 isbiased to the fully extended position by a biasing member 988 in theform of a compression spring, the biasing member 988 having, in oneembodiment, a higher biasing force than the biasing member 984. When theplunger is fully extended, it extends beyond a front face of thecouplers 940, 942, and 944.

FIGS. 20-23 show the coupler assembly 900 aligned with coupler block 500in various stages of engagement. In FIG. 20, the coupler block 500 isadjacent the coupler assembly 900 such that the front face 515 of thecoupler block is in contact with the plunger 986, but has not overcomeany internal biasing member. Cavity 950 is in communication with fluidrelief path 954, thereby causing pressure relief in the hydrauliccircuit. In FIG. 21, the coupler block 500 and coupler assembly 900 havemoved closer together, thereby applying a force on the plunger andcausing the valve member 982 to begin to overcome biasing member 984such that the valve member 982 begins to enter the fluid relief port954. Couplers 540 and 940 are adjacent to each other but are not yetengaged. In FIG. 22, the valve member 982 is fully seated into fluidrelief path 954 and couplers 540 and 940 have begun to engage, but atmost only minimal flow is flowing between coupler 540 and cavity 950.The valve member 982 is intended to be fully seated, i.e., the valvemember is intended to block the fluid relief path 954 before any fluidis communicated between the coupler 540 and the cavity 950. In FIG. 23,the valve member 982 is fully seated, the plunger 986 is retracted andthe couplers 540 and 940 are fully engaged, allowing adequate flow tothe hydraulic circuit on an implement.

FIG. 24 illustrates a method 1000 of relieving pressure in a hydrauliccircuit on an implement when the implement is disconnected from a powermachine from which it was selectively receiving pressurized hydraulicfluid. The method 1000 is discussed with respect to the embodimentsdiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 19-23, including coupler assembly900 and coupler block 500. The method begins at block 1002, where animplement is provided in hydraulic communication with a power machine.The implement in question includes a coupler assembly such as couplerassembly 900 that is fully coupled to a power machine via a couplerblock such as coupler block 500 (or, in some embodiments a coupler blockwith features such as those described above with respect to couplerblock 210). FIG. 23 illustrates an example of fully engaged couplers. Asdiscussed above, fully engaged means adequate hydraulic fluid flow fornormal operation of implement, not necessarily the position of thecoupler blocks relative to each other.

The method continues at block 1004, where the process of removing theimplement from the power machine has begun. More particularly, themethod at block 1004 is directed at removing communication ofpressurized hydraulic fluid from the implement. In FIGS. 21-22, thecouplers 540 and 940 are shown in different stages of disengagement. InFIG. 22, the flow path between the couplers 540 and 940 is reduced, asdiscussed above. In FIG. 21, the flow path between the couplers 540 and940 is eliminated. At this point, pressurized hydraulic fluid cannotmove between the couplers, but the couplers are still engaged and theimplement remains under pressure.

At block 1006, the method includes relieving pressure in the implement.This includes providing a path to the fluid relief path 954 bydisengaging the coupler block 500 from the coupler assembly 900 farenough to allow the biasing member 984 to urge the valve member 982 outof the fluid relief path 954, thereby increasing fluid path or cavityvolume in the implement and thereby lowering the pressure of fluid inthe implement. Although not shown in the figures, the fluid relief pathin some embodiments can include an accumulator with a relatively lowspring rate to receive pressure and allow additional volume in the fluidrelief path. The fluid relief path can also include flexible hose thatis capable of expanding and increasing the volume in the fluid reliefpath. At block 1008, the couplers are disengaged and the implement isremoved from the implement carrier, leaving the implement with ahydraulic circuit that has a substantially reduced pressure, makingsubsequent coupling of the hydraulic system to a power machine easierbecause of the relieved pressure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cross section of a coupler block 1100 capable ofrelieving internal pressure on an implement according to anotherillustrative embodiment. Coupler assembly 1100 includes a housing 1130,with a plurality of couplers 1140, 1142, and 1144 that are configured tobe engaged with a coupler block on an implement carrier such as couplerblock 500. Similar features as those illustrated and discussed aboverelative to coupler assembly 600 are numbered similarly, and are notdiscussed here for the sake of brevity (i.e. couplers 1140, 1142, and1144 correspond to couplers 640, 642, and 644, respectively).

The cross section shown in FIG. 25 is taken across couplers 1140 and1142 and shows a portion of relief path 1154 extending from each of thecouplers 1140 and 1142. A pair of check valves 1141 and 1143 ispositioned in fluid relief path 1154. The fluid relief path 1154 thusincludes a first portion 1151, located between coupler 1140 and checkvalve 1141, a second portion 1153, located between coupler 1142 andcheck valve 1143, and a third, or common portion 1157, located betweenthe check valves 1141 and 1143, which can include an accumulator (notshown) and a communication path toward coupler 1144 (not shown). Thecheck valves 1141 and 1143 operate to allow the flow of fluid out ofcavities 1150 and 1149, through the first and second portions 1151 and1153 and into the third or common portion 1157. The check valves 1141and 1143 also operate to block flow from passing from the third portion1157 of the relief path 1154 to the first and second portions 1151 and1153 of the relief path. These check valves thus advantageously allowfor relief of hydraulic fluid pressure in an implement that is beingremoved from a power machine while simultaneously preventing themigration of pressurized hydraulic fluid from one of couplers 1140 and1142 to the other, which may be undesirable in some implements. Whileother embodiments of coupler blocks shown above do not include checkvalves such as check valves 1141 and 1143 or can include other valvingarrangements, such as a shuttle valve with inputs form the first andsecond portions 1151 and 1153 and an output to the third portion 1157,other embodiments not specifically detailed herein can include thefeatures of previous embodiments and similarly positioned check valvesor other valving arrangements. Check valves 1141 and 1143 as shown inFIG. 25 do not include any biasing elements, and instead rely onpressure built up in the various portions of the relief path 1154 toposition a check valve seat in each of the check valves accordingly. Inother embodiments, such check valves can include a biasing element tobias the check valves into a given position.

As discussed above, coupler assembly 1100 is capable of being coupledwith a coupler block on an implement carrier such as coupler block 500.Such a coupling can be accomplished by methods such as methods 800 and1000 described above, with the additional feature of allowing flow intothe common portion 1157 of the relief path and preventing flow from thecommon portion 1157 into either of the first portion 1151 and the secondportion 1153. Fluid stored in the common portion 1157 and relatedpressure can be relieved out of coupler 1144 when an implement iscoupled to a power machine and can optionally include a device such asan accumulator to provide additional capacity to lower hydraulicpressure.

The embodiments above provide several advantages. For example, thedisclosed embodiments allow for an automated coupling of hydraulicand/or electrical couplers on an implement in line with an implementcarrier to a power machine as part of the mounting process of theimplement to the power machine and without additional powered actuatorsto make the connection. Various embodiments include various featuresthat allow for a robust connection process and fully engaged couplers.In addition, the embodiments above disclose apparatuses and methods forrelieving pressure that would be otherwise trapped in an implement whenit is disconnected from a power machine. This allows for easierreconnections when trying to connect to a machine. The embodimentsprovide for the ability to connect a power machine equipped with theimplement carriers described above to implements that do not havehydraulic functions, such as simple buckets and also to couple toimplements that have hydraulic functions but are not equipped to connectto a coupler block of the type disclosed above.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the scopeof the discussion.

What is claimed is:
 1. An implement carrier configured to be mounted toa power machine, the implement carrier being configured to receive andsecure an implement for use with the power machine, comprising: animplement carrier frame; a locking feature for securing an implement tothe implement carrier frame; and a coupler block having a plurality ofcouplers mounted therein for engagement with couplers on an implement toprovide a power source for the implement; wherein the coupler block ispivotally mounted to the implement carrier frame.
 2. The implementcarrier of claim 1, wherein the coupler block includes a locatingfeature configured to assist in alignment of the coupler block withcouplers on an implement.
 3. The implement carrier of claim 1, whereinthe frame includes an engagement feature for engaging an implement suchthat when the implement is being received, the implement is intended tobe engaged by the engagement feature and subsequently secured by thelocking feature.
 4. The implement carrier of claim 1 wherein the couplerblock has a housing and a moveable member located within the housing,the plurality of couplers being fixed to the moveable member such thatmovement of the moveable member causes the plurality of couplers to moverelative to the housing.
 5. The implement carrier of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the plurality of couplers is configured to providepressurized hydraulic fluid to a received and secured implement.
 6. Theimplement carrier of claim 1, wherein the implement carrier frame has afront side and an opposing rear side and wherein the coupler block ispivotally mounted to the rear side of the implement carrier frame andthe plurality of couplers are accessible from the front side of theimplement carrier frame.
 7. The implement carrier of claim 6, whereinthe implement carrier frame and an aperture through which access to theplurality of couplers is provided.
 8. The implement carrier of claim 1,wherein the implement carrier frame has a generally flat surface againstwhich an implement is positionable and wherein the coupler block has afront face on which the plurality of couplers are accessible, the frontface being configured to be positioned generally parallel with the flatsurface of the implement frame when an implement is locked to theimplement carrier frame.
 9. The implement carrier of claim 1, whereinthe coupler block pivots without control from an actuator.
 10. A powermachine, comprising: a frame; a power source supported by the frame; alift arm pivotally mounted to the frame; and an implement carrierpivotally mounted to the lift arm, the implement carrier beingconfigured to receive and secure an implement for use with the powermachine, the implement carrier including a locking mechanism forsecuring the implement and a plurality of couplers configured to beengaged with the implement to provide a power signal from the source tothe implement; and wherein the implement carrier is further configuredso that receiving and securing the implement also causes the couplers onthe implement carrier to be aligned and engaged with the implement. 11.The power machine of claim 10, wherein the implement carrier comprises:an implement carrier frame; and a coupler assembly that houses theplurality of couplers, the coupler assembly being pivotally mounted tothe implement carrier frame such that the coupler assembly is capable ofrotating to align the plurality of couplers on the implement carrier.12. The power machine of claim 10, wherein at least one of the pluralityof couplers is a hydraulic coupler.
 13. The power machine of claim 11,wherein the coupler assembly has a moveable element capable of movingthe couplers within the coupler assembly.
 14. An implement incombination with the power machine of claim 11, the implementcomprising: an implement carrier interface having a locking featureengaged by the locking mechanism and a plurality of implement couplersmounted thereon in engagement with the plurality of couplers on theimplement carrier.
 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein theimplement carrier interface has a locating member capable of interfacinga locating member on the coupler assembly to align the coupler assemblywith the implement carrier interface.
 16. The combination of claim 14,wherein the implement includes an implement coupler assembly in whichthe implement couplers are mounted.
 17. The combination of claim 16,wherein one of the plurality of couplers on the implement carrier andthe implement coupler with which it is in engagement are hydrauliccouplers and wherein the engaged implement coupler is configured torelieve hydraulic pressure therein when the implement is removed fromthe implement carrier.
 18. The combination of claim 14, wherein theweight of the implement urges the plurality of implement couplers intoengagement with the plurality of couplers on the implement carrier. 19.A method of interfacing an implement with a power machine, comprising:providing an implement carrier on the power machine capable of engagingand securing the implement to the power machine, the implement carrierhaving: a frame with a generally flat surface for engaging an implement;a coupler assembly housing a plurality of couplers that provide a powersource to the implement, the coupler assembly being positioned on a backside of the frame and the couplers being accessible from a front side ofthe frame; and a locking mechanism for securing the implement to theimplement carrier; aligning the implement carrier with and engaging theimplement; aligning the coupler assembly with couplers on the implement;and actuating the locking mechanism to secure the implement to theimplement carrier.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the couplerassembly is pivotally mounted to the frame of the implement carrier andaligning the coupler assembly with the couplers on the implementincludes providing a locating member on the implement capable ofengaging a locating member on the coupler assembly.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein engaging the locating member on the coupler assemblycauses the coupler assembly to rotate with respect to the frame.
 22. Themethod of claim 19, wherein aligning the implement carrier with andengaging the implement includes moving an engagement feature on theimplement carrier into engagement with an engagement feature on theimplement and causing the implement to rotate into an aligned positionwith the implement carrier.
 23. The method of claim 19 and furthercomprising: moving the plurality of couplers within the coupler assemblyto cause the plurality of couplers to move closer to the couplers on theimplement.
 24. The method of claim 19 and further comprising: liftingthe implement to allow the weight of the implement to urge the couplerson the implement into engagement with the plurality of couplers on thecoupler assembly.
 25. The method of claim 19 providing an implementcarrier with a locking mechanism includes providing an actuator formanipulating the locking mechanism.